Dr Zafar Mirza fears increase in Covid-19 cases, deaths in coming days

Dr Zafar Mirza fears increase in Covid-19 cases, deaths in coming days

Islamabad (Web Desk): Special Assistant the Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza has urged people not to let their guard down against coronavirus as the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths could increase in the country in coming days.

Giving a media briefing in Islamabad  on Friday, he said situation regarding availability of ventilators and beds across the country is under control.

The SAPM said 18 to 20 percent out of total number of ventilators are in use at the moment, the Radio Pakistan reported.

“The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) is closely watching the situation and will adopt strategy accordingly in consultation with various stakeholders,” Dr Zafar Mirza said.

The PM’s aid said that people could not grasp the situation regarding lockdown. 

Dr Mirza said there has been no evidence so far of transmission of coronavirus from dead body. He said persons handling the dead body should adopt all precautionary measures, including use of personal protective equipment(PPE).

The SAPM said that testing during Eid holidays was slow, but is again gaining momentum. He said 35 percent people in Pakistan have totally been recovered of this disease.

Earlier during an interview with Pakistan Television (PTV), Dr Zafar Mirza said that the coronavirus situation in Pakistan is “not disastrous” due to the effective measures taken by the government.

He said that the increasing number of patients being reported was because of the increased testing capacity.

The SAPM added that the federal and provincial governments are working in tandem regarding all the decisions to contain Covid-19.